I'll gain a newperspective.

So will your kidswith 2000 words...

Play outside, go anywhere

From the minute they’re born, we want our children to be everything they can be. The moment we first look into their little eyes, we believe they will change the world.

And they can.

Maybe they’ll be the first in the family to go to college or they’ll dedicate their life to saving the environment. Or both. It’s a big job raising kids who are confident and resilient, and know that you love them a lot.

That's where 2000 words come in.

2000 Words to Grow is focused on creating happy, healthy children and youth in our community. For the next few months, we’re focusing on outdoor play, and how 2000 words can help children reach their full potential.

I’ll have better balance.

I'll climb my way to the top.

I'll race you to school every day.

I’ll teach my children what you taught me.

It all starts with simple, beautiful words.

Research shows that the number of quality, positive words a child hears in an hour can dramatically impact their future success. Some kids only get 500-600 words an hour and others get more than 2000! And 2000 is where we want you to start.

2000 words an hour may sound like a lot but consider how many words you can share on a hike in the woods or exploring the creek, just talking about what’s in nature. It’s a hundred a least! Or how many words are in your child’s favourite outdoor game of tag?

Whether counting trees or singing songs, or having a great conversation while walking together, making words a priority with your outdoor play is a simple way to make a huge impact on your child's future - and it's never too early to start. (Your baby is ready for big words sooner than you think.)

Community Leaders Share Words

To me, fatherhood has been focused on finding adventure and sharing that with my girls. Adventure comes in many forms. The big stuff, like family vacations, and the small stuff, like building a snowman (our favourite was named Snow White), raking leaves or even going for a walk.

The most important thing you can do for your kids is to take care of yourself. Little people learn about the world from big people. Be the best big person you can be. The world can be tough on kids; home shouldn’t be.

I have always thought that great leaders are those that move barriers for their team and then get out the way. Over the last decade, I have found that being a great parent involves that same concept. Except that the barrier is actually us, the parent.

Words Build a Stronger Community

"It all starts with words" is an initiative of the London Child and Youth Network. CYN focuses on creating happy, healthy children and youth today, who will be caring, creative, responsible adults tomorrow.